Employment-Based Green Cards at a Standstill — What You Should Know

As of early September 2025, both EB-2 and EB-1 employment-based immigrant visa categories have reached their fiscal-year limits. This means that no new green cards under these categories will be issued until the beginning of the next fiscal year on October 1, 2025. For many applicants, this pause can feel disruptive, but it is important to understand that it is temporary and does not erase existing progress or priority dates.

What This Means in Practice

EB-2 Category (Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability):

The government has confirmed that the EB-2 annual visa allocation is exhausted. Until October 1, no green cards can be issued under this category, even for applicants whose cases are otherwise ready for approval.

EB-1 Category (Priority Workers, including extraordinary ability and researchers):

Shortly after EB-2 was declared unavailable, EB-1 visas also reached their quota for the year. This signals especially high demand across employment-based categories.

Immediate Impacts for Applicants

Adjustment of Status (I-485) and I-140 Filings:

USCIS may continue to accept filings if the priority date is current, but approvals will be placed on hold until new numbers are released in October.

Priority Dates Remain Secure:

Applicants who have already established priority dates do not lose them. These dates will carry over into the new fiscal year.

Delays in Final Approvals:

Even if interviews or document reviews are completed this month, the actual issuance of permanent residency cards will pause until October.

Strategic Steps Moving Forward

1.File Promptly if Eligible:

If your priority date is current, filing now preserves your place in line and can still allow you to obtain benefits like work permits or travel authorization while awaiting approval.

2.Track the Visa Bulletin Closely:

Monthly updates from the Department of State remain the key tool for understanding visa availability and preparing for changes as October approaches.

3.Evaluate Alternative Options:

Depending on your qualifications, it may be wise to explore other visa categories such as EB-3, O-1, or National Interest Waiver cases to keep your long-term immigration strategy flexible.

4.Stay Prepared:

Organize all supporting documentation and keep your case current so you are ready to move quickly once numbers reopen.

Bottom Line

The pause in EB-2 and EB-1 visa issuances is a temporary bottleneck tied to annual quotas, not a denial of your case. Applicants should view this as a waiting period and use the time strategically to secure benefits, prepare documentation, and consider backup options. When the new fiscal year begins in October, approvals are expected to resume swiftly.

Our firm continues to monitor these developments closely and can assist clients in navigating the transition, ensuring that every opportunity is maximized as soon as numbers reopen.